Scotland's hopes of reaching the World Cup finals were reignited with a 1-0 win against Slovenia at Hampden after super sub Chris Martin struck a late winner.

Manager Gordon Strachan 's four-year reign would have almost certainly been over after he admitted in the build-up that the Group F qualifier was a must win.

But that was avoided when the big Fulham man tucked away from a tight angle to send the home support delirious.

It was a night where the Scots dominated from start to finish and fully deserved the victory against their limited opponents.

Andrew Robertson shoots at goal (Image: Jason Cairnduff/Reuters)

After a barnstorming first half, it looked the chance for all three points had gone before the big Fulham striker scored in the 88th minute.

Scotland started like a runaway train as they were on the front foot from the start of the match with Russell Martin forcing Jan Oblak into a brilliant save from Robert Snodgrass' wicked corner kick.

They kept the pressure on and James Morrison was inches away from opening the scoring with a rasping effort from the edge of the box.

If the home side had felt aggrieved up until that point they must have been fuming when Griffiths hit the woodwork on two occasions in quick succession.

The first should have burst the net as the Celtic striker somehow contrived to hit the bar with a volley when a header looked the better option.

Moments later, Griffiths hit the inside of the post from a low cross from James Forrest as Hampden sighed in disbelief.

Chris Martin scores (Image: Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)

Morrison then had a header cleared off the line before the break as Strachan's side produced the most stirring 45 minutes of his tenure.

The second half was a much more sedate affair as Steven Naismith struggled to get the same amount of joy up top as Griffiths did before he was substituted after failing to shake off a back knock he suffered at the end of the first half

As the game slowed, Slovenia did a much better job of keeping possession as the desperate Scots looked for a winner.

But the Slovenian's resistance was finally halted as the Scots blew up the race for second place with a win which very few expected before kick-off

5 things we learned

As good as the first half was, the second half looked set to encapsulate everything that has gone wrong under the national team boss in the last 18 months.

The formation - which caught the visitors out - was no longer having the same affect.

Anya was introduced in the 74th minute and he caught cold as he was yards out but somehow fired straight at the relived Oblak, but the introduction of Chris Martin in the 82nd minute proved to be a masterstroke as they finally broke the away side's stubborn resistance.

Scott Brown (Image: Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)

Brilliant Brown

How Scotland will miss the Celtic skipper when he finally calls time on his international career.

He answered the Strachan SOS and was majestic throughout the 90 minutes with his tenacity, skill and energy bamboozling his Slovenian counterparts.

Along with Morrison, the pair were tireless throughout and took the game to the visitors from the first minute to the last.

Scott Brown helps teammate Leigh Griffiths (Image: SNS Group)

Griff a loss

He missed some big chances, but the Celtic forward was excellent in the lone striker role. His clever runs in behind caused Cesar and Samardzic all sorts of problems during his 49 minutes on the pitch.

Griffiths proved he can play lead the line for his country in the big fixtures which await.

Stuart Armstrong (Image: Tony Nicoletti/Daily Record)

A vision of the future

The likes of Armstrong, Tierney and Robertson should be the mainstays of this side for the next decade and all three were excellent on the night.

Too often in recent times, the national teams's faults have been blamed on a lack of talent, despite not having world class talent, there are plenty of players in the current squad who are capable of playing at a high level for their country.

Gordon Strachan (Image: SNS Group)

A chance seized

Let's not kid ourselves, this group is bang average and both Slovakia and Slovenia are no great shakes

This was a real chance to keep up with England, and with a meeting against the Three Lions upcoming, this was a night to celebrate.

The players will get the credit but Strachan made some big calls and got them spot on.